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Bihar Polls: EC Issues Digital Vouchers for Free Doordarshan, AIR Time

The Election Commission has introduced digital vouchers for political parties ahead of Bihar assembly elections. These vouchers provide free broadcast time on Doordarshan and All India Radio with a base allocation of 45 minutes. Parties will receive additional airtime based on their performance in the previous state election. The initiative aims to ensure fair media access for all participating political organizations during the campaign period.

Key Points: Bihar Assembly Elections EC Free Broadcast Time Parties

  • Digital vouchers issued to all national and regional political parties in Bihar
  • Base time of 45 minutes allocated on Doordarshan and AIR networks
  • Additional time based on parties' performance in last assembly election
  • Panel discussions and debates to be organized by Prasar Bharati Corporation
3 min read

Bihar assembly polls: EC issues digital voucher for national, regional parties for free broadcast time on Doordarshan, All India Radio

Election Commission issues digital vouchers for national and regional parties to get free broadcast time on Doordarshan and All India Radio during Bihar polls

"The broadcast/telecast period will be scheduled between the date of publication of the list of contesting candidates in each phase and two days before the date of poll in Bihar. - Election Commission Statement"

New Delhi, October 16

Ahead of the upcoming Bihar assembly elections, the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Thursday issued digital vouchers to all national and regional political parties, directing officials for the allotment of broadcast and telecast time for them on Doordarshan and All India Radio (AIR).

"The broadcast/telecast period will be scheduled between the date of publication of the list of contesting candidates in each phase and two days before the date of poll in Bihar. The actual broadcast/telecast will be scheduled in advance through a draw of lots in the presence of authorised representatives of the parties and officials from the office of CEO Bihar," the statement read.

EC stated that free broadcasting and telecasting facilities, with a base time of 45 minutes, have been allotted on both Doordarshan and AIR for each party to be uniformly provided on the regional network within the state.

"Additional time has been allotted to political parties based on their poll performance in the last assembly election of Bihar. Political parties are required to submit transcripts and recordings in advance, strictly adhering to the relevant guidelines," the statement further read.

"In addition to party broadcasts, Prasar Bharati Corporation will organise up to two panel discussions and/or debates on Doordarshan and All India Radio for Bihar. Each eligible party may nominate one representative for the programme which will be moderated by an approved coordinator," it added.

The final date for filing a nomination for the first phase of the assembly elections is October 17, while that for the second phase is October 20.

BJP on Wednesday announced its third and final list of candidates, naming individuals for 18 seats in the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections.

The BJP has fielded Satish Kumar Yadav against RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav from Raghopur constituency. The list also included Nand Kishor Ram from Ramnagar, Vinay Bihari from Lauriya, Bina Devi from Kochadhaman, and Kumar Shailendra from Bihpur.

With the third list of candidates, the BJP has announced the names for all the 101 seats allotted to the party in the NDA's seat-sharing arrangement.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar-led JD(U) released its first list of 57 candidates. The list includes JD(U) state president Umesh Khushwaha (Mahanar), Bihar Rural Development Minister Shravan Kumar (Nalanda), and Sunil Kumar (Bhore-SC).

Chirag Paswan-led Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) also announced the first list of 14 candidates out of the 29 seats allotted to the party in the final seat-sharing.

The Rashtriya Lok Morcha, led by former Union Minister and Rajya Sabha MP Upendra Kushwaha, on Wednesday released the list of six candidates.

The party has announced six candidates across different districts for the state polls. According to the official release issued by State General Secretary Subhash Chandravanshi, Tittu has been fielded from the Basopatti constituency in Siwan district. From Madhubani, the candidate announced is Mayank Anand, while Alok Kumar Singh will contest from the Dinara constituency in Rohtas district.

Meanwhile, the Mahagathbandhan is yet to announce its seat-sharing formula for the upcoming polls.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good initiative but I hope parties actually use this time to discuss development agendas rather than personal attacks. Bihar needs concrete plans for employment and education.
S
Sarah B
As someone observing Indian elections, the digital voucher system seems innovative. However, I wonder how many rural voters actually watch Doordarshan these days? Maybe need more digital platforms too.
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Vikram M
The seat-sharing arrangements show interesting alliances. BJP covering all 101 seats while Mahagathbandhan still figuring out their formula. This election will be crucial for Bihar's future direction.
A
Ananya R
Panel discussions on Prasar Bharati could be good if moderated properly. Often these debates become shouting matches. Hope they focus on real issues facing Bihar - migration, healthcare, infrastructure.
M
Michael C
Respectfully, while the intention is good, Doordarshan viewership has declined significantly. EC should consider including private channels or digital platforms to reach younger voters who are more active on social media.
K
Kavya N
The draw of lots system ensures transparency. Good to see EC taking steps to make election process fair for all parties, big or small. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳

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